types of guns

Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW).

The basic army unit is the squad. The squad operating on as an army patrol use a complete array of army guns. Each squad carries at least one Squad Automatic Weapon. Replacing the machine gun is the much lighter Squad Automatic Weapon. Squad Automatic Weapons use box-fed ammunition. This ammunition comes in plastic boxes. It is convenient, much lighter and contains hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The SAW can be fired from an upright position, or it can be fired using a bi-pad for stability.

Pistols and Handguns. Most army personnel carry a pistol or a handgun, aside from their basic weapon. The handgun is a part of the basic army equipment. Of all the army guns, the pistol or handgun may be the weapon that can save your life. Many have experienced rifle jams and depletion of ammunition in the battlefield, only to be saved by their handgun. While the army’s standard pistol is now the 9mm, many still prefer to carry a .45 ACP or the old fashioned .380 Revolver.

Carbines and Assault Rifles. Carbines and assault rifles are the main army guns for the foot soldier. While European army units prefer the bigger caliber .308 rifles, the U.S. Army uses the much smaller .223 caliber carbine and assault rifles. The .308 rifle has a big and heavier 7.62 mm ammunition. The .223 rifle, on the other hand, has a small and lighter 5.56 mm ammunition. The effect is that the foot soldier can carry more ammunition. The principle of concentrated fire power has affected the U.S. Army’s decision to use the smaller caliber .223 carbine.

Sniper Weapons Systems (SWS). Part of the squad defence and offense strategy is employing snipers. Some squads operate with one sniper in tow, while other squads may join together but maintain just one sniper for both squads. Sniper Weapons Systems have become deadly and sophisticated. From the basic .308 sniper rifles, the army has employed .50 caliber sniper rifles, capable of longer distances and more firepower.types of guns